Improvement in tables



S. ROBBINS.

Table.

No. 204,377. Patented May 28, 1878.

6 7 6d 274%6/ W? I)" a x00 I UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.-

SUMNERTROBBINS, OF WEST MEDWAY, MASSACHUSETTS.

.IMPROVEMENT IN TABLES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 204,377, dated May 28, 1878 application filed March 26, 1878.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, SUMNER ROBBINS, of West Medway, in the county of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain Improvements in Knock-Down Tables, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, making part of this specification, in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of a crosslegged table constructed in accordance with my invention, and in a position ready for use. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section through the center of the same. Fig. 3 is a plan of the several portions detached. Fig. 4 represents the several portions snugly packed together, ready for transportation; Fig. 5, sectional detail.

My present invention relates to that class of tables whose construction is especially adapted for instantly taking apart or knocking down its several portions and stowing them snugly together, for convenience in transportation or'for economy of space; and this invention consists in a knock-down table in which the top is formed of a single piece or leaf, provided on its under side with a cleat at each end, having two mortises for the reception of the upper tenoned ends of the crosslegs, these cross-legs being provided with dovetailed recesses for the reception of the opposite dovetailed ends of the longitudinal bar, which unites and holds the legs firmly in an upright position, as desired; and my invention also consists in providing the under side of the table with a cleat, located between the end cleats, and having a recess therein for the reception of the end of a brace pivoted to the longitudinal bar, the object of this brace being to support the table-top, if necessary, and prevent its sagging at this point, a table constructed in accordance with my invention being readily set up, knocked down, and packed snugly for removal, besides combining simplicity, strength, and economy.

To enable others skilled in the art to understand and use my invention, 1 will proceed to describe the manner in which I have carried it out.

In the said drawings, A represents the tabletop, composed of a single piece or leaf, having on its under side, near each end, a transverse cleat, B, near the extremities of which are formed rectangular recesses a a, for the reception of the upper rectangular ends of the two cross-legs G G of a pair, each pair of legs being provided on the inner side, at their intersection, with a projection, I), having a dovetailed recess formed therein for the reception of the dovetailed end of the longitudinal bar 1 which thus unites the two pairs of legs and keeps them in an upright position, at the same time holding the several portions of the table firmly in place.

At a point intermediate between the two end cleats B, and also secured to the under side of the table-top, is another transverse cleat, c, of similar size to each of those B, and having a dovetailed recess, d, extending in from one of its sides. This recess d is intended to receive the end of a brace, E, which is pivoted to the side of the longitudinal bar D, by which construction the table-top, when of considerable length or liable to sag, may be supported at this point. The side of the longitudinal bar D is also provided with a recessed projection, 6, into which the end of the brace is swung when not required for use.

When the table is to be knocked down to economize space within the room in which it is placed, or for the purpose of transportation, it is simply necessary to take oi the table-top A, remove the ends of the longitudinal bar D from its recesses in the projections of the crosslegs, and, turning the top upside down, place the legs in the spaces between the cleats and the longitudinal bar thereon, with its brace side down, when the several portions thus arranged may be tied or otherwise secured in place, the whole forming a compact and comvenient package, which can be readily carried from place to place with but little labor or expense.

A table constructed in accordance with my invention is not only strong and durable, but is of exceedingly simple construction, and not liable to get out of order, as the table-top consists of but a single leaf or piece, and no hinges are necessary, which advantages, besides many others, recommend the table for picnics, fairs, hotels, workshops, and for ya rious other uses.

What I claim as my invention, and desire brace E, the table-top A, with its recessed to secure by Letters Patent, iscleats B B c, and the cross-legs C O, with their 1. A knock-down table consisting of thecomrecessed projections b b, substantially as and bination of a single leaf or piece, with morfor the purpose described. tised cleats B on its under side, cross-legs O \Vitness my hand this 23d day of March, 0, provided wilth projections 11 b, having dovie- A. D. 1878. tail or equiva ent locking recesses, and t e longitudinal bar D, having its ends shaped to SUMNER ROBBINS fit such locking recesses, as and for the pur- In presence of pose set forth. N. W. STEARNS,

2. The combination of the bar D, with its P. E. TESCHEMACHER. 

